Beta reader
From Fan History Wiki
Beta reader is a slang term common in fandom that refers to a copy editor or writing mentor who will proofread and make suggestions about an author's fan fiction. The official definition of beta reader is unclear; some betas only proofread for spelling/grammar and canon, while others complete full dissections of the writer's work.
[edit] Historical definitions
The following definition dates to February 1999 on cmshaw's Fan Glossary as specific to media fandom:
- beta reader, n. A fanfic editor. [1]
The following term dates to December 2001 in the Harry Potter fandom:
- Beta-Reader: An important person (in the webkook's honest opinion) in the life of a fanfic author. The beta-reader is a person who voluntarily proofreads fanfics before the original author posts it (sometimes after posting if the author requests it). This is supposed to improve the quality of fanfics. There are many kinds of beta, the most common of which is the technical beta who takes care of grammar and spelling to make the fic marginally readable/tolerable to the general public. Other betas check up on characterisations, plot holes, the danger of Mary Sues and even help with ideas. Betas are more like advisors and fanfic authors can accept/reject their proposals (this has happened from time to time with one of my online friends, but we're still okay because she still listens to my opinions). [2]
The following definition dates to October 2003 and was written by Chantal Gouveia:
- Beta Reader: A proofreader who you get to read your fic, and tell you it sucks and how she would have written it instead. [3]
The following definition dates to May 2005 in the slash, Westlife, and Lord of the Rings fandoms:
- Beta - To proof read a story. (Which, I may add, is an essential thing to do before posting it!) [4]
The following definition dates to May 2005 in the slash, Westlife, and Lord of the Rings fandoms:
- Beta Reader - Someone who offers to proofread stories for other authors. [5]
The following definition dates to 2008 in the Superman fandom:
- Beta Reader - A beta reader is like an editor of fan fiction. This is anyone who is sent a story for the purpose of reading and reviewing a story before it is released to a list or archive so that the author can make improvements to the story before everyone else sees it. These are some of the most helpful and best tools in fan fiction writing. I encourage everyone to seek out a beta reader for every fic they write. [6]
The following definition dates to May 2008 in media fandom:
- Beta (-'d, -read, or -reader) -- refers to having someone knowledgable in writing etiquette edit a story prior to posting. While spell-checking a story can catch most simple mistakes, certain grammar faux-pas will be missed. A beta-reader can catch not only the technical errors, but is often useful as a sounding board for improving the story itself. Betas can fill in plotholes, keep your characterizations on target, and help guide an author to new creative heights. Authors are fantastic and always appreciated, but betas make authors better and deserve some appreciation of their own. [7]
